US Lawmakers Arrive in Taiwan

I’m traveling to Taiwan with a bipartisan congressional delegation to reaffirm US support for Taiwan and encourage stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), who is leading a group of lawmakers on a visit throughout the Indo-Pacific region less than two weeks after U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s high-profile appearance in Taiwan.

Why It Matters: Taiwan considers itself independent, while China considers it part of mainland China. The arrival of five U.S. lawmakers, particularly so soon after Pelosi’s recent visit, is seen as another nod to Taiwan’s independence (and against China), prompting government officials and experts to warn of rising tension.

• China announced additional military drills around Taiwan while U.S. lawmakers met with Taiwanese officials.
• From Taiwan’s presidential office: “Especially at a time when China is raising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the region with military exercises, Markey leading a delegation to visit Taiwan once again demonstrates the United States Congress’ firm support for Taiwan.”
• From Chinese officials: “China will take resolute and strong measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. A handful of U.S. politicians, in collusion with the separatist forces of Taiwan independence, are trying to challenge the one-China principle, which is out of their depth and doomed to failure,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.

China announces new drills as US delegation visits Taiwan (Associated Press)

U.S. lawmakers arrive in Taiwan as China tensions simmer (Reuters)

Five U.S. Lawmakers Arrive in Taiwan Amid Tensions With China (NYT)

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